How to Choose the Right Cable Gland
Cable glands – comparison of plastic, brass, stainless steel and EMC
Cable glands are essential for sealing, strain relief, and EMC protection The choice depends on material, IP rating, temperature range, and environmental requirements. Here we review plastic cable glands, brass cable glands, stainless steel cable glands and EMC cable glands.
Cable glands – comparison of plastic, brass, stainless steel and EMC
Cable glands are essential for sealing, strain relief, and EMC protection The choice depends on material, IP rating, temperature range, and environmental requirements. Here we review plastic cable glands, brass cable glands, stainless steel cable glands and EMC cable glands.
Plastic (Polyamide)
- IP Rating: IP66 - IP68
- Temperature range: -20 to +100 °C
- Advantages: Lightweight, cost-effective, chemical-resistant
- Limitation: Not suitable for heavy cables or extreme environments
- Typical industries: Telecom, building automation, panel builders
Brass (Nickel-Plated)
- IP Rating: IP68
- Temperature range: -20 to +100 °C
- Advantages: Industrial standard, robust, high sealing performance, good strain reli
- Limitation: Can corrode in highly aggressive environments
- Typical industries: Automation, energy, machine building
Stainless Steel (AISI 303/316)
- IP Rating: IP66 – IP69
- Temperature range: -20 to +100 °C
- Advantages: Hygienic, corrosion-resistant, durable
- Limitation: More expensive and heavier than plastic/brass
- Typical industries: Food, pharmaceutical, offshore, chemical industry
EMC Cable Glands (Brass/Stainless Steel)
- IP Rating: IP66 – IP69
- Advantages: Lightweight, insulating, low-cost
- Typical industries: Building, telecom
Comparison Table
The choice of cable gland is influenced by both environmental requirements and application. The table below compares the most common variants – plastic, brass, stainless steel and EMC – based on IP rating, temperature range, advantages, limitations and typical applications.
| Material | IP class | Temperature range | Advantages | Limitations | Typical industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (Polyamide) | IP66-IP68 | -20 to +100 °C | Lightweight, low-cost, chemical-resistant | Not for extreme environments | Telecom, building |
| Brass (Nickel-Pl.) | IP68 | -20 to +100 °C | Robust, high sealing, industrial standard | May corrode in aggressive environments | Automation, energy |
| Stainless steel | IP66–IP69 | -20 to +100 °C | Hygienic, corrosion-resistant, durable | More expensive, heavier | Food, offshore |
| EMC (Brass/Stainless) | IP66–IP69 | -20 to +100 °C | EMC protection, strain relief | Requires grounding | Telecom, medical technology |
Summary
- Plastic cable glands are cost-effective and chemical-resistant, but are best suited to simpler environments.
- Brass fittings is the industry standard for automation and energy, but can corrode in aggressive environments.
- Stainless steel screw connections is the first choice in hygienic and tough environments such as food and offshore.
- EMC cable glands provides effective shielding against interference and is used where sensitive electronics need to be protected.
More information
Standards
- EN 62444 – Cable entries and glands
- EN 60529 – IP rating classification
- UL 514B – Electrical cable entries
Industry Use Cases
- Telecom: plastic fittings for cost-effective installations.
- Automation: brass as industry standard.
- Food: Stainless steel for hygiene and easy cleaning
- Energy/Medical technology: EMC cable glands for interference protection
FAQ
Which cable gland is best for aggressive environments?
Stainless steel (AISI 316) with IP69K.
When are plastic cable glands sufficient?
In indoor environments without high mechanical stress.
Are EMC cable glands always necessary?
No, only where sensitive electronics are at risk of interference.
Do you need help choosing the right cable gland?
Our experts will be happy to help you find the optimal solution for your installation.
